Motorists urged to take extra care on wet roads

WITH further rain forecast, motorists are being urged to take extra care on the roads.

The Disaster Risk Management Centre is urging drivers across Cape Town to exercise caution.

The continuous downpour of rain can result in roads been closed and areas been flooded and possible disruption on roadways due to the persistent rain lashing the across the Peninsula.

Motorists are urged to drive slowly and steadily through large puddles and small areas of standing water and to allow oncoming traffic to pass.

Drivers are warned not to attempt to drive through flood water if they come across a flooded section of road as it is sometimes difficult to tell exactly how deep it is.

Visibility can also be seriously reduced in heavy rain so headlights must be used, together with allowing for an increased stopping distance.

The advice from the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre to motorists who experience breakdown in heavy rain to try and get the car to a safe and visible place, call for roadside assistance and wait for help to arrive.

Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, from the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre, said “We are urging all motorists to exercise caution in adverse weather conditions, use common sense and follow our simple advice.

“The rains that took place over the Cape Peninsula during winter indicate how quickly roads can become flooded and very dangerous.”

An appeal is made to motorists to stay alert to local weather and news reports and to leave any non-essential travel until the rain and flooding has subsided.

The Disaster Risk Management Centre and relevant Departments are on high alert, working with the supporting disaster response agencies and public safety authorities.

Residents are encouraged to report any emergencies to the City’s 107 line. This line can be used if one’s life or property is endangered – the caller will be transferred to the relevant emergency service provider. Dial 107 from a Telkom line or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone. The quicker incidents are reported, the more quickly help can arrive.

Flooding, blocked drains and service disruptions can be reported to the City’s Customer Contact Centre on 0860 103 089. Enquiries and/or complaints regarding burst and leaking water mains, faulty and leaking water meters, or blocked and overflowing sewers can also be reported via SMS to 31373. Enquiries and/or complaints regarding electricity faults can be reported via SMS to 31220.

The City’s Transport Information Centre can be contacted on 0800 65 64 63 for information on delays on roadways and deviations.


End

Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Wilfred Schrevian Evan Solomons-Johannes
Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects
Acting Head: Disaster Operations Centre